PCG finds 7 who went missing after boats capsize off Palawan
Seven fishermen from Araceli town, Palawan are brought to safety on Friday (Jan. 26) after their boat capsized while out in the open sea on Wednesday. (Photo by Geraldford Ticke)
MANILA, Philippines — Seven fishermen who went missing after two boats capsized off Palawan were found on Friday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
The fishermen were identified as Roberto Bacolod, Aljon Edar, Janjan Paalan, Jackie Paalan, Thomas Vigonte, Roque Lohan, and Alfredo Abad.“Latest info from the PCG District Palawan, BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) crew already found the seven individuals,” the PCG said in a statement.
Coast Guard District-Palawan spokesperson Ensign Chrieson Dave Gabayan said the seven were rescued at 12:15 p.m. some 7.6 nautical miles east of Verde Island in Roxas town.
The seven were brought to Puerto Princesa City by the CGD Palawan personnel aboard BRP Melchora Aquino that arrived at around 5 p.m. on Friday.
They were immediately given medical attention.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office head Abigail Ablaña said the provincial government has prepared all necessary assistance for the victims’ immediate needs.
“We will also have to assess their situation before deciding on when they can return home,” Ablaña said.
In a separate incident, the Naval Forces West also launched a search and rescue operation off Ilian Bay in Roxas town after two motorboats with 11 passengers overturned on Wednesday evening.
READ: Search and rescue launched as two boats overturned off Palawan
